Luke Littler entered the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool carrying the weight of expectation as the defending champion, and he has responded in a manner that leaves spectators and rivals alike speechless. While a nine‑dart finish on this stage would normally be a career‑defining moment for any player, for Littler it is merely the opening act of a spectacular run that promises to rewrite the record books. From the moment the tournament began, Littler demonstrated a level of consistency and scoring power that few have ever seen. His averages have hovered in the high‑hundreds, with a striking 113 average recorded in one of his early matches, before settling back to a still‑impressive 109 as the competition intensified.
These figures are not just numbers; they represent a player who can string together high‑scoring visits and finish legs with clinical precision, a combination that makes him virtually unstoppable when he is in form. "I feel really good up on the stage," Littler said in a post‑match interview. "The preparation has gone smoothly – I’ve been relaxing, playing, and then relaxing again. It’s a privilege to perform on the biggest stages in darts." His calm demeanor belies the ferocious output he is capable of.
"I know I can dominate," he continued, emphasizing that his recent averages of 109 and 113 are a testament to his scoring ability and his capacity to hit big finishes when it matters most. The statistics back up his confidence. Littler has now won 27 consecutive matches that have stretched beyond the 20‑leg mark, a streak that underscores his stamina and mental resilience in marathon encounters.
Each victory has brought him closer to a historic achievement: becoming the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to retain the Blackpool title. Van Gerwen’s back‑to‑back triumphs were a benchmark of excellence, and Littler is on the cusp of matching, if not surpassing, that legacy.
Beyond the Blackpool crown, Littler’s resume reads like a litany of recent major successes. He currently holds the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League, and the Masters – the four most prestigious titles in the sport.
In addition, he is the defending champion of the Matchplay, the Grand Slam, the Grand Prix, and the Players Championship Finals. Such a collection of accolades within a single season is unprecedented in modern darts and positions him as arguably the greatest player of his generation.
The next hurdle on his path is a quarter‑final clash with Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, a competitor known for his own high‑scoring capabilities. The encounter promises to be a battle of wills, with van Duijvenbode tasked with halting Littler’s momentum. Mark Webster, Sky Sports Darts analyst, summed up the challenge succinctly: "Good luck, Dirk.
He can play in spells, and he’s been doing it all tournament. It’s frightening form." Webster’s praise is not hyperbole.
He highlighted Littler’s ability to maintain an average of 111 across nearly 60 legs, noting that such consistency is rare even among the elite. "He looks comfortable in every scenario," Webster added, pointing out that Littler’s relaxed yet focused approach allows him to execute under pressure without showing signs of strain. The quarter‑finals will continue to unfold live from 7:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. Alongside Littler’s match, fans can look forward to a repeat encounter between Gian van Veen and James Wade, the latter seeking revenge for his 2025 loss to "The Machine". Additionally, Gerwyn Price will face Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness in their second‑round tie. Littler’s journey this week is more than a series of matches; it is a narrative of dominance, resilience, and the pursuit of a rare double victory in Blackpool.
Should he succeed, he will join an elite club of players who have managed to defend their Matchplay title, a feat that has eluded the sport’s best for over a decade. For viewers eager to witness this drama unfold, the tournament is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW. Whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned follower of darts, the 2026 World Matchplay promises high‑octane action, and Luke Littler stands at the centre of it all, poised to cement his place in the annals of darts history.